I do not soak it in hot water. I do heat it before use, by pouring boiling water in it and then waiting until the water cools down to the proper temperature, then pour it into my kyusu for brewing the tea. I have only used it twice, for two pots worth of brewings..

Sendai are popping up all over the place! They look marvelous, and I'm so glad to see that a couple getting their thirst quenched... and my, it seems IPT's has crackled nearly as quickly as the Tempest...? Awesome!